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Walking Through Needles
A riveting, dark debut psychological thriller perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, S.J. Watson, and Megan Abbott.
When Sam Mayfair was sixteen, her life was shattered by an abuser close to her. News of her abuser's murder fifteen years later should have put an end to the torture she's endured because of one decision plaguing her life. But with her stepbrother Eric as the prime suspect, Sam is flung back into the hell of her rural Oklahoma childhood.
As Sam tries to help exonerate Eric while hiding certain truths of their past from investigators, details of the murder unravel. And Sam quickly learns some people, including herself, will do anything to keep their secrets buried deep.
Walking Through Needles is a riveting and unflinching look at violence, sexuality, and desire from a compelling and unforgettable new voice in Heather Levy.
When Sam Mayfair was sixteen, her life was shattered by an abuser close to her. News of her abuser's murder fifteen years later should have put an end to the torture she's endured because of one decision plaguing her life. But with her stepbrother Eric as the prime suspect, Sam is flung back into the hell of her rural Oklahoma childhood.
As Sam tries to help exonerate Eric while hiding certain truths of their past from investigators, details of the murder unravel. And Sam quickly learns some people, including herself, will do anything to keep their secrets buried deep.
Walking Through Needles is a riveting and unflinching look at violence, sexuality, and desire from a compelling and unforgettable new voice in Heather Levy.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 29, 2021
58 people are currently reading
975 people want to read
About the author
Heather Levy
4 books197 followersHeather Levy is a born and bred Oklahoman and graduate of Oklahoma City University’s Red Earth MFA program for creative writing. The New York Times called her Anthony-nominated debut, Walking Through Needles, “a spellbinding novel at the nexus of power, desire, and abuse that portends a bright future,” and the Los Angeles Times called it “a standout for its frank but sensitive exploration of trauma and desire.” Publisher's Weekly says her thriller Hurt for Me "delivers both heat and heart." Her novels focus on sexuality and complex women. Levy lives in Oklahoma with her husband, two kids, and three murderous cats. Readers can follow her on X and IG @heatherllevy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
December 21, 2023
I mean, if you don't love what you write what's even the point?
That said, let me say that this dark mystery has the following TW: sexual assault, consensual and nonconsensual BDSM, sexual and physical abuse, abortion, and pseudo incest.
That said, let me say that this dark mystery has the following TW: sexual assault, consensual and nonconsensual BDSM, sexual and physical abuse, abortion, and pseudo incest.
July 27, 2021
This is a difficult book to review. The story is about sexual abuse and the ability to survive, but also a murder mystery. In some ways it feels wrong to say I enjoyed the book, because I too was a victim of childhood sexual abuse and it was very hard to read those parts, but I did enjoy the mystery part. All in all I give this book a 3.5. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 10, 2021
We are going to try to be as diplomatic as possible during this review.
*Trigger warning*:
.
.
.
.
.
rape; sexual abuse; abortion; sexual assault; sexual violence.
This book is *extremely* problematic. This book could be extremely damaging to victims of rape, sexual assault, sexual violence, and sexual abuse.
Firstly, the synopsis indicates that this is a “thriller”, but for this reader, there is nothing thrilling about this book - the “whodunit” aspect is weak and far in the background, and instead at the forefront is gratuitous sexual violence. And even worse, it unacceptably gives credence to the narrative of “she asked for it” and “she liked it”. While the author may have been attempting to normalize and validate masochism as a sexual preference, a story of sexual abuse, rape, especially that involving children, is not the place - and certainly not under the guise of a psychological thriller.
Appreciative to Net Galley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy.
*Trigger warning*:
.
.
.
.
.
rape; sexual abuse; abortion; sexual assault; sexual violence.
This book is *extremely* problematic. This book could be extremely damaging to victims of rape, sexual assault, sexual violence, and sexual abuse.
Firstly, the synopsis indicates that this is a “thriller”, but for this reader, there is nothing thrilling about this book - the “whodunit” aspect is weak and far in the background, and instead at the forefront is gratuitous sexual violence. And even worse, it unacceptably gives credence to the narrative of “she asked for it” and “she liked it”. While the author may have been attempting to normalize and validate masochism as a sexual preference, a story of sexual abuse, rape, especially that involving children, is not the place - and certainly not under the guise of a psychological thriller.
Appreciative to Net Galley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy.
August 14, 2021
There's just something about sick melodrama set in the midwest that makes me want to read a book. This one sounded so good, and I immediately requested it from the library.
So, this wasn't *quite* what I was expecting. The story is very much focused on sexual violence, with the police investigation part almost an afterthought. I kind of wonder why the police went so hard trying to find the murderer, considering fifteen years had passed and nobody even cared that the guy was missing. But I really have no idea about that kind of thing.
I can see how the author worked hard to normalize masochism with this story. With that came a hefty helping of "I wanted this," "I asked for it," "I liked it" etc. That can definitely be read as problematic, but I read it more as the victim trying to rationalize what had happened to her. It was clear in the text that she was very conflicted, and that what happened was, indeed, rape. Given her young age and other factors, I wouldn't expect her to immediately have a fully nuanced view of her trauma.
The drama just kept coming in the story, and that kept me turning the pages. It wasn't the best thriller, but it was a fine way to pass the day, if you enjoy dark shit and stories that should come with trigger warnings. I can easily see this being a movie, and I would definitely watch it.
Sidenote: I noticed the publisher didn't do a great job readying this for publication. There were a few spacing errors, some missing punctuation, and one instance where a sentence wasn't even complete. It said "She bit" and then nothing, just a new paragraph. O_o
So, this wasn't *quite* what I was expecting. The story is very much focused on sexual violence, with the police investigation part almost an afterthought. I kind of wonder why the police went so hard trying to find the murderer, considering fifteen years had passed and nobody even cared that the guy was missing. But I really have no idea about that kind of thing.
I can see how the author worked hard to normalize masochism with this story. With that came a hefty helping of "I wanted this," "I asked for it," "I liked it" etc. That can definitely be read as problematic, but I read it more as the victim trying to rationalize what had happened to her. It was clear in the text that she was very conflicted, and that what happened was, indeed, rape. Given her young age and other factors, I wouldn't expect her to immediately have a fully nuanced view of her trauma.
The drama just kept coming in the story, and that kept me turning the pages. It wasn't the best thriller, but it was a fine way to pass the day, if you enjoy dark shit and stories that should come with trigger warnings. I can easily see this being a movie, and I would definitely watch it.
Sidenote: I noticed the publisher didn't do a great job readying this for publication. There were a few spacing errors, some missing punctuation, and one instance where a sentence wasn't even complete. It said "She bit" and then nothing, just a new paragraph. O_o
April 17, 2021
I read a lot of things that would make the ordinary person’s stomach turn. However, even reading Walking Through Needles made me nauseous. It’s a dysfunctional, depraved story. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I did skim over some parts because they were just too sordid and sick. I didn’t care for any of the characters in this book except the grandmother. Total miss for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy.
April 9, 2021
Dark, raw, and disturbing. Walking Through Needles is an engrossing read that pulls you in and doesn’t let you go until the final page. Bravo, Heather Levy! 👏🏻
April 13, 2021
A stunning, devastating debut, WALKING THROUGH NEEDLES is nothing shy of a page-turner. With all the darkness honesty demands, Levy's portrayal of abuse, trauma, and the profound strength of those who live it is absolutely gut-wrenching. As the story's taut mystery unfolds with beautiful prose across past and present, a deeper, far more monstrous truth awaits readers: nothing's capable of cruelty quite like the human heart.
August 15, 2021
This story is dark and twisted. There's a mystery in it but I was left with a feeling of emphasis on violent sexual encounters.
The cover was beautiful with an old homestead and lightning in the distance. It was tough to read with the sexual abuse. I didn't like the characters. I wasn't sure I even liked the book until the end. I did like the ending. It's a debut novel and the writing was good. I could have passed on that story line though.
The cover was beautiful with an old homestead and lightning in the distance. It was tough to read with the sexual abuse. I didn't like the characters. I wasn't sure I even liked the book until the end. I did like the ending. It's a debut novel and the writing was good. I could have passed on that story line though.
April 14, 2022
Walking Through Needles was a difficult book to read and is more difficult to review! The scenes are so disturbing I had to take a couple of breaks and reset. I'm not sure this is or was the right book for me. I gave up reading on many occasions but forced myself to read it which I should not have done. It's most definitely not the thriller I thought this was. Although incredibly tragic this story was lost on me and a lot of it felt too repetitive. I felt very sad and hopeless reading this which was not the experience I was looking for. The ending too felt very anticlimactic.
Sadly reiteraing again this wasn't the book for me.
Thank you NetGalley, Polis Books & Heather Levy for this arc.
Sadly reiteraing again this wasn't the book for me.
Thank you NetGalley, Polis Books & Heather Levy for this arc.
March 22, 2021
Way too dark for me and I am a huge fan of Gillian Flynn and Megan Abbott. I am not sure what was missing in this story-there were damaged lead characters and pathetic mother figures who were either on drugs or too weak to face what was happening to their children and the sexually deviant villain and the sweet but tough grandma...Unfortunately, I don't see the hype although the writing was descriptive and I really liked the way the author tells the story --I just did not like the story being told.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.
May 28, 2021
A sinister, white knuckler of a novel. An astonishing debut from a writer with a savage eye for the darker facets of human desire and the messy fallout of abuse. Not exploitative in the slightest, but it does require a brave, adventurous reader.
These repeated calls for trigger warning are strange to me. The back of the book tells you it's a button pusher. Pretty sure the moment one of these "triggered" readers got to the first passage which made them uncomfortable they tuned out. Perhaps Ransom Riggs is more their taste.
Uncomfortable, unnerving, unforgettable.
These repeated calls for trigger warning are strange to me. The back of the book tells you it's a button pusher. Pretty sure the moment one of these "triggered" readers got to the first passage which made them uncomfortable they tuned out. Perhaps Ransom Riggs is more their taste.
Uncomfortable, unnerving, unforgettable.
April 2, 2021
I’m definitely in the minority with my 2 star rating but this story fell flat for me and I could not connect with any of the characters. Just not for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my review.
December 17, 2021
Short Take: Nope nope nope nope nope nope nope
(*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*)
Ok, Duckies, this is where I usually write a clever intro and tell you a little bit about a book’s plot, but I’m not going to say much about this one, because it would just be one long trigger warning. Just be glad that I read it so you don’t have to.
In the interest of full disclosure, I’m a voracious reader of all kinds of dark & crazy stuff, and I love me some titillation. I don’t mind adult content in my books one bit (I even seek it out on occasion) and “deviance” doesn’t freak me out that much. What consenting adults do with their bathing suit parts can be quite entertaining.
But Walking Through Needles goes too far, over and over. Repeated descriptions of the worst kinds of abuse inflicted on teenage girls might be “realistic” in the sense that young people are preyed upon and abused, and often confused by their experiences, but this book revels in it. It’s hideous and not at all enjoyable. The central mystery could be a good one, but it’s completely overshadowed by rape, sadism, and forced abortions.
Unless you’re the kind of person who enjoys that kind of thing, just skip this one. And if you are the kind of person who enjoys that kind of thing, seek help.
The Nerd’s Rating: ONE DEPRESSED NEURON (and a long hot shower. Because I feel dirty all over and not in the good way right now.)
(*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*)
Ok, Duckies, this is where I usually write a clever intro and tell you a little bit about a book’s plot, but I’m not going to say much about this one, because it would just be one long trigger warning. Just be glad that I read it so you don’t have to.
In the interest of full disclosure, I’m a voracious reader of all kinds of dark & crazy stuff, and I love me some titillation. I don’t mind adult content in my books one bit (I even seek it out on occasion) and “deviance” doesn’t freak me out that much. What consenting adults do with their bathing suit parts can be quite entertaining.
But Walking Through Needles goes too far, over and over. Repeated descriptions of the worst kinds of abuse inflicted on teenage girls might be “realistic” in the sense that young people are preyed upon and abused, and often confused by their experiences, but this book revels in it. It’s hideous and not at all enjoyable. The central mystery could be a good one, but it’s completely overshadowed by rape, sadism, and forced abortions.
Unless you’re the kind of person who enjoys that kind of thing, just skip this one. And if you are the kind of person who enjoys that kind of thing, seek help.
The Nerd’s Rating: ONE DEPRESSED NEURON (and a long hot shower. Because I feel dirty all over and not in the good way right now.)
February 25, 2022
Wowza! Levy's debut "Walking Through Needles" is a stunningly dark look at abuse and exploration of desire. Each sentence is a work of art, crafted to gritty perfection. The slow reveal through timeline hopping is done very well, causing the suspense to build to a pitch perfect crescendo and ending with an impeccable denouement. Levy has mastered the two points of view, giving each character a very distinct voice that not many debut novelists can manage. If you're a fan of family secrets, dark domestic suspense, and crime novels, you will not want to miss this one.
Cannot wait to see where Levy's career takes her because it's going to be amazing. Thanks to #netgalley for an ARC of this fantastic book! #WalkingThroughNeedles #HeatherLevy
Cannot wait to see where Levy's career takes her because it's going to be amazing. Thanks to #netgalley for an ARC of this fantastic book! #WalkingThroughNeedles #HeatherLevy
April 8, 2021
Heather Levy pulls no punches in this pitch-dark exploration of violence and desire. With exquisite writing, palpable atmosphere, and rich, unforgettable characters—some who burrow into your heart, others who dig into your skin—Walking Through Needles will grab you from the very first page and refuse to let you go.
July 8, 2021
I like noir mystery books but in my opinion this one goes a little too far for me. It has drugs, violence, rape, forced abortions and sado-masochism. The premise of the story is good and the characters well developed. It is also well written. The story takes place in Oklahoma and the narration is told through the eyes of two people: Samantha and Eric. The plot is divided between 1994 and 2009, in an alternating manner. They lived in the same household in 1994 and they reconnect by chance in 2009. A good beginning for this new author. I hope the next one is not as dark as this one.
August 2, 2021
From the start, Walking Through Needles sucks you into its vortex of present and past. The book seamlessly weaves through the mid-90's to the early aughts. In the 90s it's the beginning of Sam and Arrow's relationship, with fifteen years spaced between past and present. Why fifteen years? Read the book.
Walking is about the volatile love story of Arrow and Sam. It's the type of story where you can't help yourself but watch the layers of the past peel away to set up for a recently discovered crime.
Levy kicks the doors down with her modern day noir to show the world how strong a woman can be in the most horrific and anxiety-filled of situations. Levy puts her characters through real life nightmares. This is so well written it felt like the accounts of actual events. The characterization, narration, and tone from start to end is powerful and flawless.
The trials and tribulations of both Sam and Eric (Arrow) shred my heart into bloody ribbons. Days after reading it, my head is still trapped in this teenage love story that, like a lot of teenage love, can burn the world down. The realistic dialogue of teens to the transition of adulthood is superb.
I cannot praise this book enough. I first heard of it through S.A. Cosby, when he too (I'm paraphrasing) praised it as an exemplary crime book. If my praise isn't enough of a reason to read this book, then I hope the author of Blacktop Wasteland & Razorblade Tears is.
Just brace yourself. It's a twisty ride full of dread and misery that leaves you addicted to Levy's voice.
Walking is about the volatile love story of Arrow and Sam. It's the type of story where you can't help yourself but watch the layers of the past peel away to set up for a recently discovered crime.
Levy kicks the doors down with her modern day noir to show the world how strong a woman can be in the most horrific and anxiety-filled of situations. Levy puts her characters through real life nightmares. This is so well written it felt like the accounts of actual events. The characterization, narration, and tone from start to end is powerful and flawless.
The trials and tribulations of both Sam and Eric (Arrow) shred my heart into bloody ribbons. Days after reading it, my head is still trapped in this teenage love story that, like a lot of teenage love, can burn the world down. The realistic dialogue of teens to the transition of adulthood is superb.
I cannot praise this book enough. I first heard of it through S.A. Cosby, when he too (I'm paraphrasing) praised it as an exemplary crime book. If my praise isn't enough of a reason to read this book, then I hope the author of Blacktop Wasteland & Razorblade Tears is.
Just brace yourself. It's a twisty ride full of dread and misery that leaves you addicted to Levy's voice.
June 24, 2021
I was so excited to receive my preordered copy a week early!
This novel was dark and twisted, beautifully written, and satisfying to the end!
I applaud the author for her courage to write about something that is perceived as taboo, offering a glimpse into another lifestyle. Levy gives an excellent representation of how messy and mixed-up feelings can be for someone groomed in an abusive situation.
Levy jumps between two timelines to tell this story, weaving in great development for both characters through their perspectives as teens - then as adults, while the mystery of the murderer's identity builds to the end. I couldn't put this book down!
This novel was dark and twisted, beautifully written, and satisfying to the end!
I applaud the author for her courage to write about something that is perceived as taboo, offering a glimpse into another lifestyle. Levy gives an excellent representation of how messy and mixed-up feelings can be for someone groomed in an abusive situation.
Levy jumps between two timelines to tell this story, weaving in great development for both characters through their perspectives as teens - then as adults, while the mystery of the murderer's identity builds to the end. I couldn't put this book down!
July 21, 2021
The saying, “In for a penny, in for a pound” typifies my reading. I start it. I finish it. I am making an exception for Heather Levy’s ponderously bad “Walking Through Needles.” It is relentless in its bad writing with leaden dialogue and unfinished metaphors. If levy had wished for some sort of Grecian mythic brother-sister-father incest exegesis, I just got lost. Pair this with the heroine’s need for asphyxiation and other acts to enhance her sexual pleasure , and I chose the exit. I’m half way in the book and all the way out.
May 4, 2021
This is a very dark story mostly about desire, the darker side of desire that is. Sam (Samantha) is a young high school student in 1994 and she is a respected bank manager in 2009. The story is told from those two timelines and from Sam's perspective and from Arrow (Eric) her stepbrother. Sam knows from a very young age that she enjoys strangulation and pain, in fact craves it in order to get a satisfying release. Arrow and his father move in with Sam and her mom and become a blended family. Arrow is about Sam's age and an attraction blooms between them. Arrow's father, Isaac, also finds Sam attractive and is somehow able to figure out about her darker side. The mystery part of the story I did not find all that interesting, reading about how Sam overcame her desires to escape Isaac was the more interesting part. Having known someone who also enjoyed pain in order to achieve release, the thoughts that went through Sam's mind resonated with me and really brought Sam to life. Overall a good read, I would recommend. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
August 8, 2021
Walking Through Needles is a bold debut. Joe R Lansdale always says write like everyone you know is dead, and one gets the sense that Heather Levy dove into this book with that mindset, because she holds absolutely nothing back.
The characters, all of them, are wildly complex. Sam and Eric, our MC's, have moments where you feel for them and want to help them sort their issues out, and other moments where you want to smack them upside the head and ask them what they're thinking. In other words, realistic. People are neither good nor bad, but often fall into a gray area. Walking Through Needles shows us all the gray.
Some readers may have issues with the depiction of BDSM and deriving pleasure through pain, because as I said, Levy DOES NOT shy away from addressing a burgeoning teenager discovering this about themselves. It's an uncomfortable journey at times, no doubt.
The lingering murder mystery takes a backseat to the character development/journeys, and one could argue this is a conscious decision. I found myself engaged in the story and flipping pages in a mania without particularly caring who the murderer was.
I'll wrap up because I'm getting repetitive, but Levy's debut novel is fearless, and whether or not it's for you, this is an exciting author to watch.
The characters, all of them, are wildly complex. Sam and Eric, our MC's, have moments where you feel for them and want to help them sort their issues out, and other moments where you want to smack them upside the head and ask them what they're thinking. In other words, realistic. People are neither good nor bad, but often fall into a gray area. Walking Through Needles shows us all the gray.
Some readers may have issues with the depiction of BDSM and deriving pleasure through pain, because as I said, Levy DOES NOT shy away from addressing a burgeoning teenager discovering this about themselves. It's an uncomfortable journey at times, no doubt.
The lingering murder mystery takes a backseat to the character development/journeys, and one could argue this is a conscious decision. I found myself engaged in the story and flipping pages in a mania without particularly caring who the murderer was.
I'll wrap up because I'm getting repetitive, but Levy's debut novel is fearless, and whether or not it's for you, this is an exciting author to watch.
July 3, 2021
Gross. Gave up by chapter 10.
October 6, 2021
I took way to long to read this book, but as a result, was able to think on and savor what the author laid out for her readers. Harrowing, brave, unflinching… this was a great read and a very strong debut. The characters were richly drawn; all of them messy, yet relatable in one way or another.
I look forward to reading what Heather Levy publishes next, and highly recommend this book.
I look forward to reading what Heather Levy publishes next, and highly recommend this book.
August 24, 2021
This was a lot.
This is no thriller. Yes, there is a murder and we aren’t privy to the culprit until the bitter end, but this wasn’t what the story was about. It’s a very strange and sad tale, hard to read at times. It’s odd that the same exact cycle of abuse occurred in the same general location to two teenage girls and everyone just let it happen.
The story had me set up for a big reveal and every chapter built up the suspense slowly. And I mean slowly! There are many instances of abuse but the main cliffhangers are:
*what happened to Sam’s baby?
*what happened during the clash where Eric’s leg was injured?
*who killed Isaac?
These are eventually answered but after dragging things on for so long I almost didn’t care anymore. Also, Sam is in a gun fight with Vickie, survives and then rides into the sunset with Eric to renovate his house and get another dog. Ok - how was he released? Who did they pin the murder on? Vickie, I guess?? And Sam realizes that her mom (who had all the intelligence and strength of a dishrag) killed Isaac (how??) while the kids were in the hospital?? When did she roll his truck into the pond?!? I would get this decision if the character had been indifferent to the abuse and cruel but she was clueless and very religious so it makes no sense! Also, Caleb, Meredith, Sam and Eric are now going to be one big happy dysfunctional family… okay. This was one big ramble, apologies. I did have to finish it but it was a mixed bag of sadness.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Polis Books for a copy in exchange for a review.
This is no thriller. Yes, there is a murder and we aren’t privy to the culprit until the bitter end, but this wasn’t what the story was about. It’s a very strange and sad tale, hard to read at times. It’s odd that the same exact cycle of abuse occurred in the same general location to two teenage girls and everyone just let it happen.
The story had me set up for a big reveal and every chapter built up the suspense slowly. And I mean slowly! There are many instances of abuse but the main cliffhangers are:
*what happened to Sam’s baby?
*what happened during the clash where Eric’s leg was injured?
*who killed Isaac?
These are eventually answered but after dragging things on for so long I almost didn’t care anymore. Also, Sam is in a gun fight with Vickie, survives and then rides into the sunset with Eric to renovate his house and get another dog. Ok - how was he released? Who did they pin the murder on? Vickie, I guess?? And Sam realizes that her mom (who had all the intelligence and strength of a dishrag) killed Isaac (how??) while the kids were in the hospital?? When did she roll his truck into the pond?!? I would get this decision if the character had been indifferent to the abuse and cruel but she was clueless and very religious so it makes no sense! Also, Caleb, Meredith, Sam and Eric are now going to be one big happy dysfunctional family… okay. This was one big ramble, apologies. I did have to finish it but it was a mixed bag of sadness.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Polis Books for a copy in exchange for a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2021
Walking Through Needles - Heather Levy
Jeri lives with her teenage daughter Sam on a farm in Oklahoma. When Jeri's new boyfriend , the rugged and good looking, Isaac moves in, together with his son Arrow there are going to be some big changes.
Sam is at an age of being curious about boys and sex, she already knows she has a craving for pain and being strangled. It is a challenging aspect, which I thought was handled very well, never used gratuitously and central to Sam's character and some of the key relationships in the book.
The story is told with a split timeline 1994 and 2009. In 2009 one of the characters is dead and the others are suspects.
It is a fairly dark book, I was reminded of Dark Places and a little of My Dark Vanessa and Walking Through Needles can hold its head up in such quality company.
I thought the character development was excellent, the plot tightly woven with the chapters in 1994 and 2009 continually adding to our understanding, and pushing the story forward at a good pace.
After a brilliant and compulsive first half, I found it flagged a little in the third quarter before a satisfying conclusion.
Not quite a must read, but still a challenging, sensitive and unusual character driven murder mystery. Some may find it controversial but it deserves to do very well and I have an admiration for authors who push the boundaries and create unique characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and Polis Books
Jeri lives with her teenage daughter Sam on a farm in Oklahoma. When Jeri's new boyfriend , the rugged and good looking, Isaac moves in, together with his son Arrow there are going to be some big changes.
Sam is at an age of being curious about boys and sex, she already knows she has a craving for pain and being strangled. It is a challenging aspect, which I thought was handled very well, never used gratuitously and central to Sam's character and some of the key relationships in the book.
The story is told with a split timeline 1994 and 2009. In 2009 one of the characters is dead and the others are suspects.
It is a fairly dark book, I was reminded of Dark Places and a little of My Dark Vanessa and Walking Through Needles can hold its head up in such quality company.
I thought the character development was excellent, the plot tightly woven with the chapters in 1994 and 2009 continually adding to our understanding, and pushing the story forward at a good pace.
After a brilliant and compulsive first half, I found it flagged a little in the third quarter before a satisfying conclusion.
Not quite a must read, but still a challenging, sensitive and unusual character driven murder mystery. Some may find it controversial but it deserves to do very well and I have an admiration for authors who push the boundaries and create unique characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and Polis Books
July 18, 2022
Given the reviews, I was expecting to feel lots of conflicting things when I first started reading WALKING THROUGH NEEDLES. That’s okay. I enjoy it when authors take chances and push boundaries. It’s brave and unexpected and this novel was the sort of noir thriller that twisted and turned my emotions like a wild carnival ride.
Heather Levy’s gorgeous, masterful prose, her airtight plotting, and characters who by turns repulsed me (Isaac) and beguiled me (Eric and Sam—I couldn’t help but root for them, no matter how unconventional their relationship was), I was captivated from beginning to end. I read it straight through on a Saturday, only stopping when I had to, because I could not put it down. Heather Levy is a genius storyteller and this book is a masterpiece that left me speechless, with tears in my eyes at its utterly satisfying ending.
While it won’t be for everyone (take note—there are plenty of reviews with CWs) please give WALKING THROUGH NEEDLES a chance. If you like Gillian Flynn and made it through Sharp Objects or have read My Dark Vanessa, you will likely appreciate this book. One of the best novels I’ve read all year—if ever.
Heather Levy’s gorgeous, masterful prose, her airtight plotting, and characters who by turns repulsed me (Isaac) and beguiled me (Eric and Sam—I couldn’t help but root for them, no matter how unconventional their relationship was), I was captivated from beginning to end. I read it straight through on a Saturday, only stopping when I had to, because I could not put it down. Heather Levy is a genius storyteller and this book is a masterpiece that left me speechless, with tears in my eyes at its utterly satisfying ending.
While it won’t be for everyone (take note—there are plenty of reviews with CWs) please give WALKING THROUGH NEEDLES a chance. If you like Gillian Flynn and made it through Sharp Objects or have read My Dark Vanessa, you will likely appreciate this book. One of the best novels I’ve read all year—if ever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2022
Something bad happened to Sam & Eric 15 years ago. They haven’t seen each other since, but a chance encounter starts to unravel past events. They find themselves even deeper in the darkness of the past when an investigator reveals that the abuser was killed & Eric is now a suspect. Sam will have to confront the truth about what happened all those years ago and the circumstances around her abuse if she’s to have any chance of helping Eric.
I’ve had to sit on this review for a few days solely because I was so impacted that I couldn’t put together a coherent sentence about how great this is.
This book has some of the bravest and most honest writing I’ve ever seen dealing with complex trauma/abuse and sexuality. This is up there with the most emotionally heavy reads I’ve had the pleasure of sitting down with; It swings hard.
-Stitching together a story that focuses on SA & sexuality (bdsm), complex trauma and a mystery without falling short on any of the aspects is nothing short of impressive and a massive feat. I’m amazed by this story and the fact that this is a debut! Any future Levy book is a definite auto-buy for me.
March 16, 2021
I honestly can't believe this is Levy's first novel. Talk about a hit out of the ballpark! This will be an author to keep a close eye on going forward. I'd place WALKING THROUGH NEEDLES right up there with the likes of Ruth Ware, Alice Feeney and Sarah Pinborough.
We are introduced to Sam and Arrow (Eric) through two era's. Then and now. The book shifts effortlessly through time allowing us to see how these two ended up being the damaged individuals they become. Both filled with longing, heartbreak and regrets. You fall a little in love with Arrow while wanting to throttle Sam at times but still have empathy for the broken girl and woman she becomes. You'll love Grandma and find frustration with other family members.
When a murder charge is launched all things are possible. Was it the angry, protective Arrow? Was it the damaged beyond belief Sam? Or was it someone else? All things are possible with this book. I couldn't put it down and read it straight through.
We are introduced to Sam and Arrow (Eric) through two era's. Then and now. The book shifts effortlessly through time allowing us to see how these two ended up being the damaged individuals they become. Both filled with longing, heartbreak and regrets. You fall a little in love with Arrow while wanting to throttle Sam at times but still have empathy for the broken girl and woman she becomes. You'll love Grandma and find frustration with other family members.
When a murder charge is launched all things are possible. Was it the angry, protective Arrow? Was it the damaged beyond belief Sam? Or was it someone else? All things are possible with this book. I couldn't put it down and read it straight through.
April 18, 2021
I acknowledge that this is going to sound twisted, but it's somewhat refreshing to read a story where abuse isn't all about being a victim. From the very first page, I was engaged. Walking Through Needles explores a dark side of humanity that many might not know can even exist in human beings. The timeline hopping was smooth and never once did I feel lost about what was happening. The suspense builds, uncovering character flaws and strengths, walking a fine line between desire and trauma. A remarkable debut novel.
May 31, 2021
“It felt good because pain made her feel in control of her mind. It made the dark thoughts she had disappear for a while. Thoughts of her daddy, thoughts of never being able to get out of Blanchard and being stuck on the farm helping her mama and Grandma Haylin for the rest of her life.”*
Sam’s life changes when her mother’s new boyfriend Isaac moves in with his son Eric. Isaac’s volatile moods and her conflicted feelings about Eric create a dangerous dynamic as does their violent past that landed Eric in trouble. The story, which follows two separate timelines (1994 and 2009) from Sam and Eric’s points of view, unveils a blood-tinged past and an unsolved murder.
I recently attended a panel at Balticon which discussed how non-linear storytelling can create anticipation. This novel exemplifies this technique. Never did the use feel manipulative, because of the great way the book was structured. Showing the events in 1994 as its own timeline, rather than as standard flashbacks creates an immediacy that makes the events all the more powerful.
Seeing both Sam and Eric’s perspectives gives the book dimension and helps the reader understand their motivations. I really liked the female-focused cast and the agency the characters display throughout the novel. The mystery component is developed well and kept me guessing as to the identity of the murderer.
Please note that this novel deals with violence and dark themes such as rape, abuse, and other types of violence against women. I felt that these themes and issues are handled in a respectful and realistic manner and were no way gratuitous, but this may not be the book for readers who may be triggered by such topics.
Because of my investment in these amazing characters and world, I hoped a bit for an epilogue in current times, but the book stands well without it.
I am blown away that WALKING THROUGH NEEDLES is a debut novel. I ardently hope that Levy is hard at work at her follow up, because I can’t wait to read it. This book is a strong contender for awards in “best debut” category.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and Polis Books for providing an Advance Reader Copy.
*Please note that my review is based on uncorrected text.
Sam’s life changes when her mother’s new boyfriend Isaac moves in with his son Eric. Isaac’s volatile moods and her conflicted feelings about Eric create a dangerous dynamic as does their violent past that landed Eric in trouble. The story, which follows two separate timelines (1994 and 2009) from Sam and Eric’s points of view, unveils a blood-tinged past and an unsolved murder.
I recently attended a panel at Balticon which discussed how non-linear storytelling can create anticipation. This novel exemplifies this technique. Never did the use feel manipulative, because of the great way the book was structured. Showing the events in 1994 as its own timeline, rather than as standard flashbacks creates an immediacy that makes the events all the more powerful.
Seeing both Sam and Eric’s perspectives gives the book dimension and helps the reader understand their motivations. I really liked the female-focused cast and the agency the characters display throughout the novel. The mystery component is developed well and kept me guessing as to the identity of the murderer.
Please note that this novel deals with violence and dark themes such as rape, abuse, and other types of violence against women. I felt that these themes and issues are handled in a respectful and realistic manner and were no way gratuitous, but this may not be the book for readers who may be triggered by such topics.
Because of my investment in these amazing characters and world, I hoped a bit for an epilogue in current times, but the book stands well without it.
I am blown away that WALKING THROUGH NEEDLES is a debut novel. I ardently hope that Levy is hard at work at her follow up, because I can’t wait to read it. This book is a strong contender for awards in “best debut” category.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and Polis Books for providing an Advance Reader Copy.
*Please note that my review is based on uncorrected text.
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